In case folks in the USA missed it - there was a situation over the last few days, people were trapped in the tunnel under the English Channel:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1949260,00.html

"The trouble began Friday evening when five locomotives abruptly stopped on the tracks in the Channel Tunnel between London and Paris, trapping more than 2,000 passengers with no food, water or news about what was going on for up to 16 hours"

16 hours! Wow. A good reason to travel with water and food.

Being stranded for 16 hours has apparently happened in the US, to people on regularly scheduled airlines, within the past few years. How *that* happens is completely beyond me. I can completely understand a train breaking down.

We in the US have no room to point fingers at anyone on this one, in my view.

We have no room to point fingers, but I don't think anyone was (were they?)

I find it interesting how many people crying they showed. Really? It was that traumatic? A few hours crowded, no water, and admittedly poor communication. Sounds like the travelers need to buck up. Travelers - many had luggage with them! No one thought so stash a candy bar?

There is an interesting article in The Register on this that points out serious lapses and questions, and why there needs to be a formal inquiry.

Can anyone explain the chunnel fiasco? Five trains in. None out

The Register is a British I.T. publication that uses sensationalist tabloid format as part of their schtick but is credible.